Swinhoe's Rail
Coturnicops exquisitus
花田鸡
Introduction
The world's smallest rail species, measuring 13 centimeters in length and weighing 24.5 grams. Occurs in northeastern Asia, with historically fragmented populations in Manchuria and southeastern Siberia, separated by over 1000 kilometers. A breeding population was discovered in the Amur region in 2018, connecting these previously isolated groups. Inhabits dense marsh wetlands and is rarely observed in open areas. Habitat loss represents the primary conservation threat.
Description
This species holds the title of the world's smallest rail, reaching just 13 centimeters (5.2 inches) in length and weighing approximately 24.5 grams. Its petite frame and cryptic plumage allow it to navigate through dense wetland vegetation with ease. The small size and compact body shape distinguish it from all other rail species, making it unmistakable when observed, though such sightings are rare due to its secretive habits.
Distribution & Habitat
The species occurs in northeastern Asia, with a highly fragmented historical distribution limited to two locations in Manchuria and southeastern Siberia. The discovery of a breeding population in the Amur region in 2018 has provided crucial new information about its range, revealing that the species breeds across a broader area than previously understood. It inhabits swamps, freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, and arable land, showing some tolerance for agricultural landscapes adjacent to wetlands.
Conservation
This species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, reflecting ongoing concerns about its global population status. Habitat loss across its range in northeastern Asia represents the primary threat to its survival, as wetlands are drained for agriculture and development throughout the region. The fragmented nature of known populations adds to conservation concerns, making the recent discovery of the Amur population particularly significant for the species' long-term prospects.
Culture
The common name honors Robert Swinhoe, a British naturalist who first described this species to science in 1873. Swinhoe made significant contributions to the study of Asian birds during his career, and this diminutive rail stands as one of several species bearing his name in recognition of his pioneering work in ornithology.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Gruiformes
- Family
- Rallidae
- Genus
- Coturnicops
- eBird Code
- swirai1
Distribution
breeds Siberia and northern Manchuria; winters to southern China and Ryukyu Islands (southern Japan)
Data Sources
CBR Notes: IUCN红色名录等级由VU降为LC
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.